A two-day Total Fire Ban has been declared for the ACT from 12am Thursday until 11.59pm on Friday, as weather conditions drive elevated fire danger across the territory.

The ACT Emergency Services said conditions meant any fires that started were likely to spread rapidly and be difficult for firefighters to control.

ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Officer Rohan Scott said: “The ACT Rural Fire Service is prepared to respond if a fire breaks but community co-operation with the Total Fire Ban restrictions is crucial for everyone’s safety.

“Please take extra care when parking in grassed areas, mowing your yard, or travelling through remote or forested locations.

“This is unlikely to be the final Total Fire Ban of the season. With two months remaining, we encourage the community to subscribe to Total Fire Ban Alerts or check the ESA website for updates.”

Emergency Services said that during the ban it was an offence, unless an exemption is issued, to light, maintain or use a fire in the open air, or to undertake high-risk activities such as welding, grinding, soldering, gas cutting, and the use of slashers and harvesting machinery in rural areas.

Gas or electric cooking appliances may still be used under strict conditions, including constant adult supervision, keeping barbecues clear of combustible materials, and having a fire extinguisher or continuous water supply available. Electric barbecues in parks and reserves, including the National Arboretum Canberra and urban parks, would remain available, while all gas barbecues would be turned off.

ACT Parks and Conservation Service has closed several sites across the ACT for the duration of the ban, though all ACT campgrounds remain open except the Canberra Centenary Trail Northern Border Campsite.